“I volunteered at Children’s of Minnesota in 2009. I got my start in Child Life by participating in the Child Life Volunteer Exposure Experience. This program was so valuable to my education and preparation for my future as a Child Life Specialist.
After graduating from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in May 2009 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology, I spent the summer preparing for my Child Life Internship for fall 2009 at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Marshfield, WI. After completing my internship I started applying for jobs across the country. After many interviews, I finally accepted a job at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN (www.lebonheur.org). It was hard to leave my friends and family, but I was excited to have my first “real” job. My starting position was as the evening Child Life Specialist, covering the whole hospital (225 beds, including the intensive care areas). My job was to attend to any needs that arose after the daytime specialists left: this included providing procedural support/distraction, preparation, and family support; providing sibling visits, supervising special events, and conducting pre-surgery tours. In June 2010, I sat for the Child Life certification exam and passed. After 8 months of working the evening position, I was offered a position working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (60 beds), which is where I am today! I provide family support, sibling visits, preparation, developmental stimulation, and memory building for all the newborns at Le Bonheur. I am so lucky to be working at such an amazing hospital, and I know that my volunteering experience helped me get here.”
-Amanda Meyer, BS, CCLS
P.S. Amanda is more than willing to chat with any potential child life specialists/students with child life interest! You can e-mail her at meyer.amanda.rae@gmail.com.
Amanda Meyer, “down South” at her new home in Memphis!
Thank you, Amanda, for your continued support of Children’s Hospital!
Hi Amanda,
I saw your post on the Children’s website. I too am interested in pursing a career in Child Life. My question for you is, how do I get involved in the Child Life Volunteer Exposure Experience at Children’s? Or any other hospital?
Thanks for any help/advice you have to offer!
Rachel
Hi Rachel!
The Child Life Volunteer Exposure Experience is not being offered this year, but I will send you an e-mail about other ways to get involved! All the best, Jenna (Volunteer Coordinator)
Hi Amanda,
I am also interested in a career as a Child Life Specialist. I just received a offer for working as a Operations Coordinator in the Er at Childrens. I would eventually like to go back to school and was wondering what education is required for the job? I’d like to also volunteer!
Thanks!!